The match is important for both teams, though for different reasons, and bookies believe that Spurs’ recovery from their FA Cup reverse at Leeds will have been quicker than Norwich’s from that 1-0 defeat inflicted by Luton. Accordingly, Stan James install AVB’s men as their 4/5 favourites to take all three points, whereas the Canaries can be backed at 15/4 (bet365) to win and so end a run that has seen them take just one point from their last six league matches; Coral price the draw at 11/4, while BetVictor.com chalk 15/4 about a score draw.

City’s record against Spurs at Carrow Road is less than encouraging. They’ve lost four and drawn one of their last five home league matches against the north London outfit. Little wonder they’re a massive 15/1 with BetVictor.com to register a much-needed 1-0 victory – they’ve managed only one goal in their five previous home encounters against a Tottenham side still harbouring realistic Champions League ambitions.

Indeed, such is the extent of Spurs’ perceived superiority that when handed a one goal start by Skybet, Norwich can still be backed at even money to win. As for securing maximum points without any artificial assistance, Ladbrokes rate City a 6/1 shot to register a one goal margin of victory.

It’s interesting to note that Norwich (14) and Spurs (13) have used more English players in their line-ups than any other Premier League teams this season, a statistic which adds appeal to backing an Englishman to score the game’s opening goal. Grant Holt is 8/1 with Paddy Power to notch the first goal, while Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe is a 9/2 shot with William Hill. Norwich will be intent on restricting opportunities for Defoe and his teammates and punters who suspect that City can bring their awful run to an end can get 5/1 (Stan James) against both halves finishing all square, though more precise folk may prefer bet365’s 13/2 posted about a 1-1 finish. The chances of City winning 1-0 are rated at 12/1 by Skybet.